Refreshed Mazda MX-5 Roadster goes on sale in Japan

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Roadster

What Mazda has called a "refresh" is actually a seriously thorough tweaking of the MX-5's mechanics and aesthetics. Outside the rag top, known as the Roadster in Japan where it's just gone on sale, gets a smaller version of the smile we've seen on the Mazda3, new alloy wheels, a stronger character line and three new colors. Inside it gets new gauges, more supportive seats and a new MX-5-specific BOSE system. And underneath the hood, the engine gets a higher redline, the automatic transmission gets a couple of new modes, and manual gearbox just gets more refined and the front end has been lowered. And those changes represent just the tips of many icebergs. One thing we can all be thankful Mazda hasn't changed about the MX-5 is its Jinba Ittai. That's Japanese for "rider and horse as one." Who knew? Follow the jump for the exhaustive press release and check out the high-res gallery of Mazda's new Roadster below.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Roadster